Brittany received its modern name when it was settled (in around 500 AD) by Britons, whom the Anglo-Saxons had driven from Britain. Breton history is one long struggle for independence: first from the Franks (5th to 9th centuries), then the Counts of Anjou and the Dukes of Normandy (10th to 12th centuries), and finally from England and France.

The Breton people maintain a fierce sense of independence to this day, as displayed by their local customs and traditions.

Since the 1970's, a resurgence of the regional identity has happened in Brittany. Breton art, music and culture are recognized across France.

Being a part of France, French is universally spoken and understood by almost all locals in Brittany.

In the western part of Brittany (Basse-Bretagne), many people also speak the regional Breton language, a Celtic language more closely related to Scottish Gaelic, Irish and Welsh than to French. While France tried to discourage the use of regional languages, their use is rebounding, bringing a stronger understanding of culture, contributions, and history. Through the local efforts of the Bretons and their Breton language schools (Diwan, Div Yezh, Dihun), children are being taught in the native language while they learn standard curriculum. The schools are supported by worldwide efforts through various groups, including the International Committee for the Defense of the Breton Language.

On the road you may notice sign in both French and Breton.

On the eastern Brittany, the Gallo language is sometimes spoken. That's a French variant language, influenced by Breton.

Due to its proximity to the UK, many people working in the tourism industry can also speak English. Some English people also live in Brittany, especially in the countryside.

Trains are an easy way to visit Brittany, except for the center of the peninsula. There is no difference between TGV high-speed train and regional trains (TER) in Brittany: both run at the same speed, and regional trains are usually cheaper and as comfortable as TGVs.

Menhirs and Dolmens Brittany has a large number of megaliths, which simply means "big rocks". These menhirs (standing stones) and dolmens (stone tables) were sites for burials and worship. See some magnificent examples at the bay of Morlaix and the gulf of Morbihan. Museums at Vannes and Carnac detail the archaeological finds made at these sites.

Participate to a fest-noz. Fest-noz (Breton for "night fest") are dancing sessions open to everyone, where people learn and dance traditional dances from Brittany, usually from 6pm to 2am. It will cost you from nothing to 8€ to participate to a fest-noz (most of them have a 6€ fee). More globally, Breton people tend to dance when they hear transactional music so you may see people dancing on streets.

Cider (cidre) — Like Normandy, Brittany is cider country. Much like wine, cider comes in different varieties that are intended for different purposes, so you should pay attention to the following words on the label. Doux indicates a sweet cider, with a strong apple flavour and low alcohol percentage (3% or below), that is best drunk with dessert or by itself. Demi-sec / brut is sharper and fresher, with an alcohol content of between three and five percent. This kind of cider is more common as an apéritif, or as an accompaniment to local cuisine, especially seafood. Unlike in certain other countries, notably the United States, cider in Brittany is always alcoholic and always sparkling (pétillant).

Perry (poiré) — Similar to cider, but made from pears. Production is considerably limited compared to its apple-based counterpart.

Chouchen — Breton mead, a sweet alcohol made from fermented honey, water and yeast

Beer — there is a great variety (some of them are made with sea water)

Whisky — There are Breton whiskies. Nevertheless, there are better ones in the Gaelic world...

Kir Breton — the local adaptation of the kir. You pour Breton cider instead of white wine, preferably from the Rance valley. (Kir, for those uninitiated, is blackcurrant liqueur and white wine.)

When swimming in the sea, watch out for rips and undercurrents. Be mindful that the tide can come at a very fast pace so watch out or you might be stranded on an outlying island! Check the tides (marées) in your local tourist office. Ask for a table of the tides.

Mont Saint Michel - in Normandie, but very close to the Brittany border; monastery and town built on a tiny outcrop of rock in the sand, which is cut off from the mainland at high tide (and then joined to the continent by a light bridge; cars and buses can no longer pass or park near the Mont, but there's a transport system with light buses). It is one of France's major tourist destinations, and as such gets very busy in high season. Check the times of the tides before you visit!